Lawson Mabhena

in Guangdong, China

THE trade volume between Zimbabwe and China is expected to rise from over US$500 million last year, with the world’s second largest economy pledging to increase foreign direct investment and continue to assist the country in infrastructural development.

Speaking to Zimbabwean journalists who are attending a 16-day media seminar here last week, Mr Ji Fang, a member of the information office of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, said China had adopted serious measures to promote Africa’s export, including the relaxation of import duty on products from Africa.

The trade volume between the Asian country and Zimbabwe was US$560 million last year and China’s exports to Africa rose to US$93, 3 billion in 2011 from US$5,6 billion in 2000.

“As of April this year China’s foreign direct investment to Africa stood at US$13,3 billion,” Mr Ji said.

He said Guangdong province was China’s leading trade partner with Zimbabwe, hence there was a need to continue building relations.

Guangdong is one of China’s leading commercial provinces, with a GDP of close to US$1 trillion.

Mr Ji said China was one of the first countries to assist Zimbabwe with the construction of infrastructure soon after the country gained independence and would continue to help the country develop.

“China constructed the National Sports Stadium in Harare, hospitals, schools and factories. Our relationship has not ended there but we will continue to assist in your country’s development,” he said.

He said over 5 000 African students were on scholarship in China and 90 Zimbabwean students were pursuing their education in that country.

Mr Ji said the direct flight from Harare to Beijing would also increase business between the two countries.

“We have also been sending teams of medical doctors to assist with health delivery in Zimbabwe,” Mr Ji said.

While in Guangdong Province, the team of Zimbabwean journalists was taken on a tour of Guangdong Television station, Zhujiang Piano Factory, Guangzhou Daily, Dongxijing Village, Memorial Hall of Sun Yat-Sen and Chen Clan Academy.